Metabolic Syndrome
Continuing Education Credits
This course discusses the metabolic syndrome, a diagnosis that is not associated with one particular disease, but rather the probability of developing certain diseases or disorders as a result of a combination of defined risk factors. Explanations are presented about the inter-relationship between cytokines produced by adipose tissue and metabolic syndrome risk factors. Laboratory tests that are used to detect and monitor metabolic syndrome are also discussed.
Objectives
- Identify the risk factors for metabolic syndrome.
- List other diseases and medical complications associated with metabolic syndrome.
- Describe the impaired lipid metabolism that occurs in metabolic syndrome and how it affects carbohydrate metabolism and produces an atherogenic dyslipidemia.
- Explain the role of insulin resistance and obesity in the onset of metabolic syndrome.
- Describe the role of the laboratory in diagnosis and monitoring patients with metabolic syndrome.
- Interpret patient information and laboratory results using the NCEP:ATP III metabolic syndrome criteria.
- Describe clinical treatment goals in metabolic syndrome.
Course Outline
- Metabolic Syndrome
- Metabolic Syndrome
- Insulin Resistance
- Importance of Diagnosing Metabolic Syndrome
- Risk Factors
- Dyslipidemia
- Atherogenic Dyslipidemia
- Hypertension
- Risk factors for metabolic syndrome include abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia, decreased HDL, elevated blood pressure, and elevated fasting plasma glucose. How many of these factors must be present together for an individual to be diagnosed with metabolic syndrome?
- In increased concentrations, which lipid group decreases HDL and causes the formation of small dense LDL molecules?
- Adipose Tissue and Metabolic Syndrome
- Adipokines Significant to Insulin Resistance and Metabolic Syndrome
- TNF-alpha
- Interleukin-6
- Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1
- Adiponectin
- Angiotensinogen
- Leptin
- Resistin
- Which of the following is a protective adipokine that inhibits several steps in the inflammatory process, increases fatty acid oxidation, decreases liver glucose production, and inhibits steps in plaque formation in blood vessels?
- Medical Conditions Associated with Metabolic Syndrome
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Metabolic Syndrome and Type 2 Diabetes
- True or False: An individual diagnosed with metabolic syndrome has an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease and/or type 2 diabetes.
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Atherosclerosis
- Adipokines and Atherosclerotic Inflammatory Process
- Endothelial Dysfunction
- What is a potential consequence of atherosclerosis?
- Why are small dense LDL molecules more atherogenic?
- Prothrombotic State
- Prothrombotic State
- Insulin resistance places an individual with metabolic syndrome at the greatest risk for which of the following disorders?
- Other Possible Medical Conditions
- Medical Complications of Metabolic Syndrome
- Diagnosis of Metabolic Syndrome
- Variation in Diagnostic Criteria
- Adult Treatment Panel III and ACC/AHA Guidelines
- Table 2: NCEP:ATP III Diagnostic Criteria for Metabolic Syndrome
- Clinical Management in Metabolic Syndrome
- Treatment
- Magnesium, Calcium, and Vitamin D
- True or False: Low-dose antiplatelet agents may reduce the risk of diabetes for those diagnosed with metabolic syndrome.
- Laboratory Role in Metabolic Syndrome
- Clinical Laboratory Testing in Metabolic Syndrome
- A 60-year-old female visits her physician for an annual physical. She exercises regularly and eats healthy meals most of the time. The physician suggests that the patient decrease her carbohydrate intake and portion size at meals.Review patient vital signs and laboratory assay results to decide if a diagnosis of metabolic syndrome is appropriate using the NCEP:ATP III Diagnostic Criteria shown on
- References
- References
Additional Information
Level of Instruction: Intermediate
Intended Audience: Medical laboratory scientists and technicians, and other health care personnel who have an interest in this subject matter. This course is also appropriate for medical laboratory science students and pathology residents.
Author Information: Mary Ellen Koenn, MS, MLS(ASCP), CLS(NCA), is an associate professor at West Virginia University School of Medicine in the Medical Technology Program. During her career as a medical technologist and educator, she has been a laboratory supervisor and manager and has held several teaching positions. She is active in the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS), resulting in a nomination as ASCLS Member of the Year in 2006. She is also a member of the American Association for Clinical Chemistry. She is the author of numerous articles for laboratory publications and textbook chapters and is a frequent presenter at laboratory seminars and workshops. Ms. Koenn holds a Master of Science degree in Medical Technology.
The author has no
conflict of interest to disclose.
Reviewer Information:
Laurie Bjerklie, MA, MLS(ASCP)CM, is
a Lead Education Developer. She earned a B.S. in Medical Laboratory Science
from the University of North Dakota and an M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction
from Saint Xavier University. She has over 15 years of experience in higher
education and has held program director and faculty positions in both MLT and
MLS programs.
Marissa Wildung, MBA, MLS(ASCP)CM, is a Laboratory Supervisor with nine years of experience as a Medical Laboratory Scientist and a Faculty Instructor for an MLT/Phlebotomy Program in Central Minnesota. Marissa holds a Bachelor’s in Medical Laboratory Science from the University of Cincinnati and a Master's in Business Administration from St. Cloud State University.